Mid North Coast Correctional Centre Expansion Marks Modular Milestone

Good progress continues on the expansion of the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.

Installation of 320 modular-cells (see picture below) took just 36 days, with the last of the cells recently placed in position.

Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, applauded the work of Corrective Services NSW, Justice Infrastructure and Assets, and the managing contractor Watpac – whose construction workforce include about 70 per cent from the Kempsey region.

“This multi-million dollar expansion project is creating local jobs.

“Other positive impacts include a $5.5 million sewer upgrade, which will become a community asset, as well as improvements to the power supply in the surrounding area,” Mrs Pavey said.

The 440-bed maximum-security expansion also includes:

Improvements to the visitor and administration buildings, and the gatehouse

Expanded audio-visual link suites for court appearances

A new Corrective Services Industries unit for inmate employment opportunities

Expansion and upgrade of existing security

Work began on the site at Aldavilla in February this year and will be completed late next year.

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner, Peter Severin, said the expansion would also create about 90 full-time jobs once construction was completed.

“Prison expansions across the state are creating about 2,000 new corrections roles from this year onward due to our prison infrastructure program and our focus on reducing reoffending,” Mr Severin said.

“Many of these new jobs are for frontline correctional officers, as well as Community Corrections, psychologists and academy training staff and I look forward to seeing residents of the Kempsey region taking up these posts.

“A record $330 million NSW Government investment also allows us to locate inmates where they can undertake the necessary programs, such as the High Intensity Program Units at Mid North Coast, to increase their chances of a successful reintegration into society.”